Book 2, Canto 9 Summary

Arthur and Guyon approach a gorgeous castle besieged by bands of ruffians. They send the men scattering, and Alma, the virgin ruler of the castle, offers them a warm welcome. She gives them the grand tour through the hall, the kitchen, past some knights and ladies courting, and then shows the three rooms near the top where the decisions are made: Phantastes, judgment, and Eumnestes.

Book 2, Canto 9 Analysis

This house, ruled over by Alma, the soul, is a perfect allegorical depiction of the body in accord with Temperance. Guyon and Arthur are shown through the hall (mouth) and into the kitchen (digestive tract), up passed the lovers (heart), and into the higher faculties—Phantastes covers foresight, fancy, and imagination; judgment covers wisdom in the current situation, and Eumnestes covers memory.